Red Sox’s Alex Cora Provides Positive Update On Tyler O’Neill

Tyler O’Neill suffered a unique injury before Friday’s loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, which marked another ailment for the Red Sox outfielder.

However, Boston was optimistic it won’t keep the 29-year-old out of the lineup too long.

The Red Sox scratched O’Neill from Friday’s lineup due to a left fourth finger inflammation. O’Neill dealt with a left leg infection, a concussion and right knee inflammation at different points this season that forced him to be placed on the injured list three times. Alex Cora was hopeful the finger injury wouldn’t make it a fourth time for O’Neill.

“Not ready for today. We’re shooting for tomorrow,” Cora told reporters before Saturday’s game.,” per MassLive. “Feeling better. He’ll hit during the game to see how it goes but most likely he’ll play tomorrow.”

Cora revealed O’Neill suffered the ailment during batting practice and it was something he dealt with before. The slugger told the Red Sox manager it was something that needed one or two days to heal.

Boston will need O’Neill during its chase for an American League wild-card spot, but it will hope to even up the series against the D-Backs on Saturday at Fenway Park. First pitch for the matchup is scheduled at 4:10 p.m. ET on NESN.